Good morning, Walnut Creek! This week, we’re celebrating Ace Hardware's 100th Anniversary—make sure to watch the special Instagram video! Don't miss out on the Annual Craft Beerfest this Saturday, a perfect way to enjoy local brews and good company. Plus, stay informed with the Walnut Creek Planning Commission's discussion on the Parking Ordinance update on June 27.

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Ace Hardware 100th Anniversary Celebration (watch Instagram video)

• Walnut Creek Hosts Annual Craft Beerfest This Saturday

• Walnut Creek Planning Commission to Discuss Parking Ordinance Update on June 27

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. We are almost at 5k subscribers. Who should we team up with next to do another gift card giveaway?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Creek Hosts Annual Craft Beerfest This Saturday

Walnut Creek's much-anticipated annual Craft Beerfest is set to take place this Saturday, June 29, from 1-4 PM at Civic Park in Downtown Walnut Creek. This event will feature over 20 breweries from Northern California, offering a wide variety of craft beers.

The festival is dog-friendly, with a special BARk Lounge for furry friends. The ticket price includes event admission, a complimentary tasting glass, and unlimited beer samples, ensuring attendees have a classy and enjoyable time.

In addition to the beer, the event will feature food trucks, live music, and various activities to entertain guests. Unlike other beer festivals, this one focuses on creating a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere, avoiding overcrowded spaces. The organizers promise a memorable experience filled with good vibes, as attested by past attendees.

Buy Tickets (link)

Walnut Creek Planning Commission to Discuss Parking Ordinance Update on June 27

The Walnut Creek Planning Commission will meet on June 27, 2024, at 6:00 pm in the Council Chamber located at 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek. The meeting will be chaired by Ken Strongman, with Brandt Andersson as Vice Chair. Other members include Pamela Nieting, Steve Reiser, Molly P. Clopp, Steven Kwok, and Melissa Ward.

Residents can participate in the meeting either in person or by submitting comments in writing. Those wishing to speak should fill out a speaker’s card and submit it to the Commission Secretary when called upon. Comments should be factual and concise to aid the Commission's decision-making process.

The agenda includes a welcome and roll call, where remote participation requests due to just cause or emergency under AB 2449 will be considered. Routine items, such as the adoption of minutes from the June 13, 2024 meeting, are expected to be approved without discussion under the Consent Calendar.

Public Communications will provide an opportunity for comments on non-agenda items, though the Commission cannot take action on these during the meeting. A key item on the agenda is the AB-2097 Parking Ordinance Update, a citywide zoning text amendment. The Commission will review the proposed changes, consider environmental impact exemptions, and make a recommendation to the City Council. Detailed information is available on the City’s website prior to the meeting.

The Commission will also discuss updates to the design review process and the role of the Design Review Commission, following an ordinance adopted on June 4, 2024. Staff will explain how these changes impact the Commission’s work. The meeting will conclude with brief reports and announcements from staff and Commissioners, followed by adjournment.

Residents can watch or listen to the meeting through YouTube Live, Comcast Channel 1028, Rossmoor Channel 26, Wave Channel 29, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and the City’s website. Written comments can be sent via U.S. mail or email to [email protected] before or during the meeting. In-person comments are also welcomed, with a two-minute limit per speaker unless otherwise specified. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit www.walnut-creek.org.

GoFundMe for Lemongrass Farms

The Walnut Creek Farmers' Market has launched a GoFundMe for Lemongrass Farms to support medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income for two members critically injured in a DUI accident on June 2nd on Locust Street. (link)

EVENTS

Theatre

Summer Sounds: Miko Marks | June 27, 2024 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Free | Enjoy a free outdoor concert by Miko Marks, whose soulful music and powerful narratives reflect her journey and passion for equal rights. No tickets required.

Tunde Lasode - Audience of One (Joyful Joyful) | June 27, 2024 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | Tickets available | Enjoy divinely crafted music blending contemporary and African rhythms in this unique concert experience. Presented by Joi Rhone Presents.

Asking for Trouble with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood | June 28-29, 2024 | Check event listing for times | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA | Check event listing for ticket prices | Presented by Lesher Center and Diablo Regional Arts Association. Enjoy an unforgettable night of improv comedy with stars of "Whose Line is it Anyway?"

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy | Lesher Center for the Arts | 6/15 - 8/31 on Saturdays | New generation of comedic talent with the "Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy" tour, featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming acts in the Bay Area.

Community

Walnut Creek Chamber's June BASH | June 27th | 5:30-7:00 PM | Marriott Walnut Creek, 2355 N. Main St. | Free for Chamber members, $20 guest fee for non-members with business card | Join the Walnut Creek Chamber for networking and a raffle for Joybound's dog program. Bring peanut butter, dog treats, or canned pumpkin to enter the raffle.

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center | Thursdays at 12 PM | 50+ Drop-in activity. Try your luck and have fun!

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek | Locust St | Sundays at 9 AM | The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market | Shadelands | Saturdays at 9 AM | Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM with over 40 vendors, features fresh Brentwood produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and is a family favorite, having been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest.

Meditation hosted by the Divya Babaji Sushumna Kriya Yoga Foundation | Fridays at 10:30 AM | Walnut Creek Library | The meditation will be simple, effective, and designed for contemporary times to suit the needs of our community’s Holistic health – Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social health and Spiritual well-being. Meditation will take place seated in chairs and there will be time for questions after the session. No registration is required and beginners are always welcome.

Kids

Family Storytime | Thursdays at 10:15 AM | Ygnacio Valley Library

Toddler Storytime & Play | Thursdays at 10:15 AM | Walnut Creek Library | Join us for songs, stories, and movement! Stay after the stories to play! Most appropriate for ages 0-3, but all ages are welcome.

Summer Book Club | June 29 | 10:15 AM | Walnut Creek Library, 1644 North Broadway 94596 | Free | Enjoy books and fun activities. For youth in 6th-8th grades. Register. Funded by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation.

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Doug Houser | Thursday 6/27/24 | 7:00PM | Rocco’s | Evening of great live music

Line Dancing Lessons | Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM | Bourbon Highway | Watch Video

Pachanga Thursday | Thursday at 8 PM | Retro Junkie | Join Pachanga Thursdays at Retro Junkie on June 27th from 8 PM to 1 AM for an evening of salsa, bachata, timba, merengue, and Latin rhythms featuring Julio Bravo & Orquesta Salsabor, with DJ Tony O spinning hits all night long.

Become A Walnut Creek Spotlight Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to reach people in Walnut Creek? We are looking for locally owned businesses that would like to become a Walnut Creek Spotlight sponsor. Contact our sales team today about our powerful ad options to reach over 4,900 Walnut Creek locals.

We Could Use Your Help

We have big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Walnut Creek East Bay and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Walnut Creek Spotlight with them! It’s simple!

👇👇👇

Thank you for reading Walnut Creek Spotlight today! If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone who might appreciate it too.

Don't forget to check us out on Instagram and Facebook for more updates and community highlights.

I love hearing from you! If there's anything you'd like to see more or less of, please reply to this email and let me know.

Was this email shared with you? Sign up here

Want to advertise to over 4,900 locals? Reply to this email.